Ask An Italian: Where Do Italians Vacation?

Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.

Our question today for Francesco....Tourists love to come to Italy to see the great works of art in Florence, Venice and Rome. But, where do Italians go on vacation? What are some of their favorite activities? When is the busiest time for travel in Italy?

Well, this question is very difficult to answer, as often you don't appreciate what you have at home and you often go out to look for something different to see. That's what happens in Italy: Italians don't know (or know very little) about their own country, and go around the world, forgetting the beauty they have in their own cities or countryside. So, while the British buy pieces of land in Tuscany, Italians often go to the beach in Rimini, Caorle, Porto Rotondo, or some tropical paradises. These spots are worth the trip to get a nice tan, but are lacking in their art or cultural experience. So you usually find Italians at beach swimming, playing beach soccer, or drinking some chilling drink.

And if you plan to come over and travel across Italy, don't do it in August: that's the worst time to travel!

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